What to Expect on Medical school Away Rotations

What do I need in order to apply for an away rotation? 

It is important to prepare all necessary documents and testing prior to when the away rotation application opens, as many programs will accept on a first come, first serve basis. Below is a list of items to have completed by the time the application opens 

• AAMC Standard Immunization Form (all vaccines must be up to date. Students may need to show proof of titer and/or receive an additional booster(s) before the form can be signed
• Drug Screen
  • Schools may ask for up to 10 panel drug screens. This singular drug screen can be uploaded to multiple applications, and will also satisfy programs requiring <10 panel drug screens. 
• Criminal background check with OIG
  • Student’s will need to obtain this once. Obtaining a background check with OIG (Office of the Inspector General) will satisfy the requirement for the majority of programs. 
• Proof of Covid Vaccination 
• Current CV 
• Headshot 
• Letters of Recommendation 
  • Not all programs require a letter of recommendation. Check the VSLO portal prior to the application opening for the specific programs you are interested in. 
• Proof of Health Insurance 
• Malpractice Insurance 
  • Each student’s institution will upload a copy of malpractice insurance if requested. 
• Personal statement 
  • Some schools may ask for a personal statement. It would be helpful to have a draft written by early March.

How do I prepare for an away rotation?

• Book a comfortable, reliable place to stay for the rotation well before the start date. Many students have had success searching through Rotating Room (https://rotatingroom.com/), however, other places to look include Airbnb, Facebook, or look into long term hotel stays. 
• Study the area you are moving to well beforehand. Consider if a car will be needed for the rotation. 
• Ensure you have packed proper attire including business casual, scrubs, your white coat, student ID, and protective eye glasses (if in a surgical specialty).
• Arrive a couple of days early if possible, and visit the rotation site to ensure you will be on time for your first day. 
• If study materials are recommended for the rotation, attempt to glance over the material prior to the rotation. Most away rotations are not expecting you to be a master in the clinical content 
• Check the VSLO  Away Rotation Guidance page for advice on your specific specialty: 

Will I be seeing my own patients during away rotations? 

• This is dependent on each individual program. Some programs prefer to have students shadow, while others will treat students as intern residents. 
• Most programs will provide students with EMR access, and require basic EMR training prior to the start of the rotation. 
• For non-shadowing rotations, students are typically responsible for seeing patients, presenting to the attending physician(s), and completing notes in a timely manner. 

Will I receive a grade for my away rotation? 

• Yes! Students will receive either a pass/fail for 2 week rotations, or a tiered grade (your school’s version of pass, high pass, honors) for 4 week rotations. 
• Students will upload their clerkship evaluation form at the time of application. 
• The grade will be determined by the host institution, and usually comprises an evaluation from several faculty members. 
• These grades will be visible on your residency application if the rotation is completed prior to the ERAS deadline. 

Sources: 

https://medschool.vanderbilt.edu/md-gateway/away-rotations/

https://case.edu/medicine/students/registrar/away-rotations